EXPLORATORY, Learning through exploration!

Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their minds. The essence of
teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.
Marva Collins

Course Description:
A quality education gives choices in life. I am not here to tell you what choices to make, but to
help you be as prepared as possible for those choices. I believe every student in my class is
capable of excellence, and therefore, I have high expectations for each of you.
In this course every student will have a participatory, hands-on learning experience in multiple
content areas (e.g. technology, character education, current events, art, science, etc). This
class provides a challenging and interactive curriculum where you will have to think critically and
work together to solve real-world challenges. Each student will have learning experiences that
not only incorporate, but go beyond your core subject matter.

Educational Philosophy:
I believe every child is an individual and is unique, our education should be geared towards that
individuality. For education to be truly effective students will carry part of the responsibilities
for their own learning. Education should be difficult; it should challenge each student so they
have the opportunity to reach their very best.

The effort a student makes is as critical in the educational process as the information they are
given. I expect each of my students to try something new and challenging every day. Every
student is capable of excellent things, and I expect each student to attempt remarkable things.

Required Material:
You will need to be prepared each day with a notebook, a writing utensil, and a new question.

Grading:
There will be plenty of chances for you to earn the grade you want, but you will have to work
for it! Every point counts, so work hard and learn something new everyday. Since this is a
project based class, I will NOT accept late projects. We will create a project calendar at the
beginning of each project, so you will know weeks in advance when something is due. No excuses
necessary.

Projects
Participation

50% (includes all projects and all turned in assignments)

50% (includes all inclass activities, behavior, and discussions)

Behavior Expectations:
Because this is an interactive class, I expect all of my students to be kind and courteous to one
another and their ideas. Rudeness, disrespect and cruelty will not be tolerated at all and will be
dealt with swiftly and directly.

Attendance: Students will be be responsible for the assignments and information they missed
while absent. Any handouts or classwork will be given to them upon their return. Because we will
create a project calendar for each project, there should be no excuse for neglecting to
complete a project.

Tardies: Students, like the teacher, are expected to be on time and prepared. Tardies will not
be tolerated! Students who are chronically tardy will be asked to contact their parents and
explain why they cannot make it to class on time.

Rules: In our classroom we will follow the policies and procedures laid out in the Teton Middle
School handbook. Students will be given the classroom rules, and expectations on the first day
of class

Homework: Homework is based on the amount of work a student can complete while in class.
They will be given plenty of time to complete each project if they use their time wisely

Consequences: Consequences are based on students behavior. Students who choose actions out
of appropriate behaviour can expect results such as parental contact, letters of apology,
Discipline Referral (know as an R-Form), and ISS (in-school suspension).

Parents or guardian,
I would like to take the time to welcome you to our class as well. I am very excited to have your
child in my class. I have a lot planned, and I expect great things from each student. To achieve
great things, I have high expectations of behavior in my classroom. Your input is important to
me. If there is anything you want me to know, please feel free to email me
jbeach@d401.k12.id.us I am always available to discuss your childs education.
Thank you,
Mrs. Beach
Los padres o tutores,
Me gustara tomar el tiempo para darle la bienvenida a nuestra clase. Estoy muy emocionada de
tener a su hijo en mi clase. Tengo mucho planeado, y espero grandes cosas de cada estudiante.
Para lograr grandes cosas, hay grandes expectativas de comportamiento en mi saln de clases.
Su opinin es importante para m. Si hay algo que quieres que yo sepa, no dude en enviarme un
correo electrnico por favor jbeach@d401.k12.id.us siempre estoy disponible para hablar sobre
la educacin de su hijo.

Gracias,

Mrs. Beach
----- --------------------------------------------------Please cut off and return information for 5 points extra credit!
(the only extra credit offered in this class!)
Students name and grade___________________________________________________
Students signature________________________________________________________
Parents name____________________________________________________________
Contact email and phone number______________________________________________
Parents signature_________________________________ _________________________________